Long story short, I found a composition notebook from maybe 4 years ago. Sometime last year I typed it up and added onto it. About a month ago I continued it again, although it's far from being good, I would love advice! There are some parts that aren't suppose to make sense, or seem out of place, that'll be explained later on. There are a lot of parts that happen abruptly, just out of nowhere, and I'd love advice on getting it fixed. Any advice is considered! I'll try to post an updated story every Friday (even if its only a paragraph)
A character list is a WIP as well, I'm fairly certain there are several incorrect colors of the cats, it will be fixed eventually. --i actually worked on it last night and then got distracted--
All characters seen are created by me, I request that they are not used by anyone else. This story belongs to me as well, please to do not claim it as your own. Based on the Warrior Cat series by Erin Hunter
Prolouge
The half-moon slowly rose across the sky, resting at its peak, casting a pale shine on two cats sitting on a tall, grassy hill. A couple of thin, wispy clouds floated across the illuminated sky as a quiet, soothing wind pushed through the surrounding tree. A bracken colored tabby tom had his tail wrapped around a smaller, white tabby she-cat. They sat close together, both pair of eyes searching the land stretched beneath them.
“Oh, Gorsewhisker, you can see everything from up here!” The white tabby murmured, her eyes shifting to the cat next to her. She leaned against the tom and, enjoying his warmth and burrowed her nose under his chin.
“Yes, my dear, you can.” he murmured softly into her ear,”Promise me, Windecho, that we will meet here every other night?” She lifted her head so that their eyes met. A quiet purr filled the silent night, echoing through the still grass.
But the small she-cat hesitated a heartbeat too long, blinking slowly as she considered what he proposed. To the tom’s dismay, a thin sigh escaped her,”But is this right?” Concern was thick throughout her voice,”We could get in so much trouble for this…”
“Then we shall run away!” Gorsewhisker proclaimed, thrusting his muzzle to the sky,”You know how I feel about you, right? I can’t live without you.” His meow was a quiet whisper, but the love for Windecho was obvious. A brisk wind breezed around the two cats, making the thin pines behind clatter ominously.
“What about your clan? They need you now more than ever after the battle with EarthClan.” She leaned against him, aware of the scars that he now bore because of the battle three nights prior. Her heart was in her throat, he was everything to her, and the idea of never seeing him again made her feel sick with loneliness.
“Please, think about it.” His tail twitched, but didn’t move from around Windecho’s side,”You’re all I care for. Can you give me your answer at the Gathering?” Gorsewhisker glanced at her, his eyes filled with undying love and care.
“I will, I promise.” Windecho murmured softly,”But I think it’s time I head back to camp, before someone notices…” Her love for Goreswhisker was apparent, showing deep affection in her brilliant blue eye. She got to her paws, rubbing her cheek against his.
He said nothing he watched Windecho through sorrowful eyes as she walk farther and farther away. Concern and worry made his limbs feel heavy, unable to move. “I’d do anything for her…” He murmured to himself, knowing that that was completely true. There was nothing left for him in Iceclan, every cat he cared for was gone. Everyone except Windecho.
“Be careful what you wish for,” An ominous but eerily familiar voice whispered in his ear. Panic arose through Gorsewhisker as he whirled around. He was met, nose to nose, with a scrawny black and white tom.
“S-Shellstar?” He stuttered, remorse and shock spread throughout him immediately. The warrior was beginning to question how the injured and old leader had gotten there considering he was wounded fairly badly, until it hit him. Shellstar must have succumbed to his wounds, and his last live must be up.
“Gorsewhisker, it is your time...You have no other option. Iceclan needs you.” He murmured, resting his tail on Gorsewhisker’s shoulder. Instead of feeling the comforting tail of his fallen leader, there was nothing, only a strange cold that sent a shiver down the tabby’s spine.
“I can’t, I’m not ready!” he protested,”I can’t lead!” Gorsewhisker shook his head, unable to accept that he would have to lead IceClan. His heart sank as he realized that he would never be able to be with Windecho, that he had lost his only chance to be happy.
“You’re ready, take your place as leader,” Shellstar began to disappear as he slowly rose towards the sky,”StarClan calls.”
“No! Come back! You promised you’d always be there!” He yowled into the stars as his mentor faded completely. Gorsewhisker was left alone, standing on top of the hill crest. He raised his muzzle to the sky, eyes closed. Not for the first time, Gorsewhisker was completely alone. No kin, no friends, no leader, no mate.
The breeze returned, but this time, a foreign rusty voice with it,”With the fading of the wind, the ripples will course through the river of change, where the darkness shall thrive, yearning for the reddened sky. Only completely alone shall a flamed bird lead the unwanted.”
Chapter One
Larkpaw’s POV
“Good catch Larkpaw!” A sandy tabby meowed as she observed a young she-cat through the thick foliage. Embarrassment flooded the apprentice as she tripped over the rabbit as she dragged it over to her mentor.
Hawkfires eyes shone proudly, although her brother glared at her through narrowed eyes. Darkpaw was always competitive, but not even he could compete with her speed.
“Since this is just the dawn patrol, you two can share it,” she meowed,”But unless a warrior says to, never hunt on border patrols without permission.” Hawkfire reminded them, not for the first time.
Darkpaw just let out an obnoxious snort before beginning to devour the rabbit. Larkpaw bent beside her darker brother and inhaled the warm flesh.
Hawkfire hung back, waiting patiently for the apprentices to finish eating. The white she-cat leaned back, sitting on her hunches, Hawkfire sprang to her paws,”Now keep up!”
No fair! She thought to herself, taking off after her mentor. Darkpaw reacted moments later, speeding after Larkpaw and Hawkfire. The two apprentices were neck and neck racing after the warrior, quickly catching up to her.
Overtaking Darkpaw was simple enough as Larkpaw lengthened her stride, moving her lithe, scrawny body with ease. She refused to give up as the energy began to drain from her limbs, but Larkpaw pushed on as she reached Hawkfire. The apprentice reached for the ground, claws extended, pushing herself forwards, launching herself ahead of the sandy she-cat.
“Larkp-” She heard Hawkfire warn, but it was too late, Larkpaw had realized what the mentor had done when her paws no longer touched ground. The apprentice stumbled down a short bank, flopping ungracefully down into a calm stream.
Larkpaw growled to herself, standing up in the shallow creek. “You tricked me!” She climbed her way up the bank, fur completely soaked.
“No, I taught you a lesson. Control your strengths,” Hawkfire flicked her tail,”I am well aware of your speed, Larkpaw. I ran as hard as I could just to be a challenge.” Her sides heaved, hinting that she had strained herself testing Larkpaw.
The apprentice’s breaths were short, ragged as she cleaned herself. A few moments later, Darkpaw trotted through the undergrowth. Delight spread through his face as he saw that his sister was completely soaked,”What happened?” It was all too obvious he was holding back a laugh.
“One of Hawkfire’s life lessons.” She growled.
“I didn’t want my favorite apprentice to run herself to death,” Hawkfire nudged her gently, with obvious affection towards Larkpaw,”Besides, you two should be ready to do you’re warrior assessments soon.”
Before Larkpaw or Darkpaw had a chance to respond, a dappled she-cat revealed herself from a clump of ferns,”Gorsestar is calling a meeting,” she meowed,”Your morning party is the only patrol out, he wanted to wait.” Amusement sparked in the warrior's eyes when examining Larkpaw, although she didn’t question way the apprentice was soaking wet.
“Thank you Leopardflash,” Hawkfire meowed,”Let us head back now.” The sandy she-cat got to her paws, trotting on towards camp, with Darkpaw, Larkpaw, and Leopardflash following closely.
Exhausted from the morning run, Larkpaw had trailed behind on the way back, entering the camp last through the bramble tunnel.
Feeling queasy, she headed towards the medicine den, for whenever the meeting was finished Larkpaw was going ask for some herbs.
Two she-cats crawled out of an old badger den, the elder she-cat was a gray tortoiseshell, the other a red tabby. “Larkpaw,” The younger of the two meowed, sitting beside her. Her mentor padded onwards towards Gorsestar’s ledge, knowing that the meeting was to start, as his face was grim.
“What happened?” She whispered to her friend, who just shook her head in response. Redpaw made no attempt to hide the grief thick in her eyes, leading Larkpaw to a mournful conclusion.
“All cats able to catch prey gather below the Rock Pillar!” A large brown tabby tom had leaped down from an old owl's nest from within a tree. He waited a moment as cats of all color and shape revealed themselves from the several dens within the camp.
“I have terrible news,” Gorsestar stopped for a second, taking in his surroundings as the gray tortoiseshell stood next to him,”Sharpfang has died.”
A shocked gasp echoed throughout the clan, but quieted rather quickly. “He died honorably, chasing out a couple of rogues. He saved the life of Silverpaw, but didn’t have enough strength left in him to fight against the brutal wounds.
“No… it can’t be…” A young black and white tom was muttering, his voice shrill with pain. Redpaw left Larkpaw’s side to nudge the apprentice, Drizzlepaw, to the medicine den.
“Who's the next deputy?” A scrawny tabby tom questioned with narcissistic authority. His comment was echoed by fellow warriors questioning who would take Sharpfang’s place as deputy.
“Silence!” Gorsestar snarled, narrowing his eyes to the creamy tom,”Do you dare disrespect Sharpfang by assuming you get the place Spidernose?” Sharp fang had been Gorsestar’s only family, the two brothers had been very close.
Spidernose shrank back, trying to escape the leaders rage. “That’s what I thought,” Gorsestar growled,”Many of you may not know this, but he was planning on retiring soon. We discussed this choice together, and had decided on Talonshadow.” Surprised murmurs responded, but no one challenged Gorsestar this time. Talonshadow, while crippled with a weak shoulder, was certainly a good choice.
Larkpaw glanced over at her brother, whose coal brown eyes were bright with pride for his mentor. Beyond him, a couple of warriors muttered uncertainly. Spidernose, as well as a she-cat similar in appearance had their backs turned, evidently not agreeing to this choice.
The clan dispersed, the warriors gathered around Talonshadow to both congratulate and to recieve orders. The Queens went back to their den, while the apprentices gathered excitedly.
“Poor Drizzlepaw…” A tortoiseshell she-cat murmured as Larkpaw joined the group,”I hope he’s going to be okay…”
“I’m sure he will be, Flypaw.” Darkpaw meowed, glowing with pride after his mentor being announced as deputy.
“He lost his father! You wouldn’t know what that’s like, now would you? Tame-bloods!” Flypaw snapped in response.
Both Larkpaw and her brother flinched, Flypaw had brought up a valid point. Tame-bloods often referred to kits of rogues and kittypets, and always used as an insult. She never knew her parents, just that Gorsestar had brought her and Darkpaw to the clan with no answers. Many cats speculated their origin, but leader just denied everything, refusing to just leave two kits on their own.
Darkpaw jumped to his paws, eyes narrowed,”You wanna find out how much clanblood I have in me? Fight me mouse-heart!” Larkpaw stepped in front of her brother, knowing all too well he would attack Flypaw.
“Darkpaw! Quit it!” A growl silenced the group of apprentices as Talonshadow trotted over,”Is that how a warrior should act? Or the deputy’s apprentice?”
“I’m sorry Talonshadow…” He muttered, ears flat against his skull. His demeanor, however, perked up after realizing what Talonshadow had mentioned,”Soon to be?”
“If you keep acting like this, Larkpaw will be warrior before you,” The marble tabby tom teased, ignoring his apprentices question,”You’ll be hunting with Leopardflash and Redpaw.”
“Isn’t Redpaw a medicine cat?” Darkpaw interrupted, keen to show off his skills to
anyone and everyone
“All cats can hunt, and it can’t hurt to have an extra paw. She isn’t needed right now,” Talonshadow meowed patiently,”Now, Larkpaw. You’re going fishing with Lightfeather. She needs a distraction…” He trailed off, his point made clear. Lightfeather was already an introverted cat, but it certainly didn’t help hearing that her mate died.
Larkpaw nodded, leaving Darkpaw to mutter angrily to himself. She searched the camp for the gray tabby she-cat, whom had just emerged from the medicine cat den.
She trotted over to Lightfeather,”Talonshadow suggested for us to go fishing.” Larkpaw meowed softly, “Are you up for it?”
“Of course,” Lightfeather lifted her striped head, although her voice was thick with grief. She headed towards the camp entrance, despite her head being held high, her tail drug in the grass.
While it was true Larkpaw hadn’t lost anyone close to her, she could still feel sympathy even if it wasn’t to the same degree as those suffering. Larkpaw and never known her parents, no cat really raised her and Darkpaw. She fell into step behind Lightfeather, knowing that idle chit-chat wouldn’t help her in anyway. Despite that conclusion, Larkpaw still tried to offer a distraction,”Where’s the best place to fish?”
Lightfeather hesitated, as if considering heavily how to answer her question. “Just like you don’t hunt in one area too long, you can’t fish in mainly one area.” Her clouded green gaze kept focused ahead as she picked her way cautiously through some loose thorn strands. “But…” She briefly went solemn,”My favorite area is Deer River.” The river that Lightfeather spoke of was the border separating Iceclan and Fireclan.
“Oh okay,” Larkpaw meowed, easily keeping pace with Lightfeather. She slowed for a brief second, a faint but foreign scent swirling around them, but the warrior didn’t react or even seem to notice. Larkpaw, now on alert, walked close behind the gray tabby in silence.
“Here we are!” The gray tabby proclaimed, showing too much enthusiasm for simply fishing. They cautiously picked their way down to the bank,”Lucky for us, we haven’t had heavy rain lately, so there’s likely to be plentiful of fish.”
Larkpaw nodded, but her thoughts were still focused on the strange scent. The gray tabby she-cat crouched over the water, putting her weight on her hindquarters. The apprentice stood several paw-steps away, watching Lightfeather demonstrate how to fish,”Make sure you’re shadow doesn’t reflect over the water, that tells the fish you’re there…” She murmured distractedly, her gaze staring intently on the water.
Without warning, she jerked her paw into the water, revealing a slimy fish hooked in her claws, ”Bite the neck!” She requested, tossing the fish next to Larkpaw.
The apprentice, hesitating for a moment, bent down and bit hard on the fish’s neck. “It’s so… slimy.” She complained, spitting out some of the gunk from the prey. Fish was uncommon prey, as few cats were comfortable in the water, and it was difficult enough to find a decent and safe spot to fish.
“It is, but prey is prey.” Lightfeather meowed, her gaze still intent on the water,”Besides, some cats do enjoy fish.” She waded a couple of mouse lengths in, unbothered by the chilled water.
Larkpaw reluctantly waded into the low river to crouch next to Lightfeather,”How many warriors actually know how to do this?” She positioned herself in mimic of the gray tabby, putting her weight heavily on hunches. The cold water felt cool against her fur, relaxing the apprentice as she shifted her position slightly to get comfortable.
“Few,” Lightfeather got to her paws, examining Larkpaw’s stance. She nosed the apprentice forwards slightly,”Me, Drizzlepaw…” She hesitated, jaws open. Lightfeather shook her head, continuing,”Gorsestar, Icewing.” The gray she-cat padded to where Larkpaw was to finish off the fish.
“Oh,” Larkpaw murmured, her gaze intent on the water. She attempted to lash out at one of the silver flashes, but missed. The apprentice let out a hiss before repositioning herself to strike again.
“Fishing requires much patience,” Lightfeather meowed quietly.
“That explains why no one fishes,” She growled, flicking her tail impatiently. Larkpaw narrowed her eyes, quickly extending her unsheathed paw into the water. Surprise flashed through her as she realized that something cold, slimy was hooked onto her claws. She jerked her paw out of the water, caught in the grasp of her claw was a decent sized fish.
“Quick! Toss it towards me!” Lightfeather said,”Before it wiggles away!” The apprentice shook her paw to free herself of the fish towards the warrior, who snatched it in the air before it hit the ground.
“Great job!” The warrior meowed after setting the limb body on the other two fish,”We’ll fish until sun-down.”
Time flew by quickly, resulting in Larkpaw getting fairly wet again. As Lightfeather and Larkpaw began to collect their prey, a shout came from the top of the opposite bank,”Are those IceClan cats or fish?” The teasing came from an obviously arrogant tabby tom. Behind him stood a young brown and white tabby tom, and two ginger apprentices.
“Oh shut it Breezebeck!” Lightfeather growled, whisking her tail as she turned to meet his glare.
“Like we’re scared of two apprentices!” He retorted,”Ripplestreak and I can easily take you!” Breezebeck hadn’t included the ginger she-cats, they seemed rather young to be jumping into a battle. Ripplestreak, the other tabby tom just stood there next to the tabby, murmuring something in his ear.
Breezebeck responded with a thick sigh in response to whatever the other FireClan warrior had said before turning away without another word, a scowl heavy in his face.
“Just like Breezebeck, to throw around threats and to be calmed down by a new warrior!” Lightfeather muttered, loud enough for all the cats to hear. The tabby tom flinched, but Ripplestreak just nudged him on, away from the border.
“Ripplestreak seems a little young for a warrior,” Larkpaw commented, gathering up some of the fish.
Lightfeather shrugged,”I think they found him wandering the territory at a couple moons old, no cat actually knows his actual age.” She gathered up the remainder of the fish, leading the way back to camp.
Chapter Two
“Come and get me!” A white tabby she-cat shouted over her shoulder, breezing past an oddly familiar dark tabby. He let out a laugh, taking off after the she-cat. No matter how hard he pushed himself, there was no catching up to her. Larkpaw took off after the two cats, easily advancing on the tom. Strangely, he made no reaction to her outpacing him.
“Slow down!” He panted, slowing down to a halt. His sides heaved, taking in their surroundings. They had passed clan boundaries, now in uncharted territory. Strange land stretched around them, outcrops of rocks and pine trees filled the landscape. The apprentice stood right in front of the she-cat, but the white tabby darted right through her. Am I in StarClan? Who are these cats?
Her gaze shifted to the tom, standing nose to nose with him. There was something familiar, on the tip of her tongue, but she just couldn’t place it. His eyes were bright with joy, pure happiness, such of a degree that she had never seen before.
“Too fast for you?” She had turned back to meet back up with the dark tabby. He turned to reply, but another voice interrupted.
“This is not your place, not yet.” It said, a cat padding out of the shadows. She could see the brush through him, and Larkpaw froze as she stared through the ghostly figure.
“W-Who are you? Where am I?” She demanded, meeting the cat eye to eye. Despite his transparency, she could see that it was a black and white tom.
“Little one, do not be afraid,” He murmured, touching his nose to hers.
A cold chill spread throughout Larkpaw as their noses touched,”Am I dead?” She murmured, eyes wide. She hadn’t remembered being sick or attacked, just that after the fishing expedition she went to sleep.
He laughed, which scared the apprentice even more,”No, you are not. StarClan is showing you something too early in my opinion, but do not forget this dream, young one. It will have importance.” The strange tom began to disintegrate as Larkpaw struggled to take everything in.
Her ears were flat, fur on end, as she thought of the worst possibilities for this strange dream. Are they of importance? What do two strangers have to do with me? With IceClan?
“Do not worry,” The raspy voice murmured in her ear,”While your future may not be easy, you have nothing to fear but yourself.” With those final words, the starry cat disappeared, leaving Larkpaw alone in the darkness of her dream.
Fear consumed Larkpaw as she considered his words. “What am I going to have to do?” She whispered to herself, her voice high and strained in terror for the future. The pale tabby apprentice begun to pace in the dream, unsure if she could or even wanted to wake up at this moment. Her mind whirled at the prospect of what she’d have to do.
A shrill and panicked screech awoke Larkpaw with a start. She jumped to her paws, all concern for what the strange cat had said was evaporated.The apprentice scrambled out of the den, alert for any sort of threat.
Several other cats had awoken at the screech, emerging from their dens. Redpaw emerged from the medicine cat den, quickly making her away towards the nursery. The other warriors that had awake crowded in front of the nursery, mutterings of alert and panic arose quietly.
Larkpawś jaw slid open to scent her surroundings. An odd, faintly familiar scent was leading a trail out of camp and farther into the forest. Another scent, much more strong, was of blood. She followed it to the entrance of camp, scared of what she might find.
A lifeless figure was sprawled out at the entrance of the bracken tumble. Larkpaw’s heart sank when she realized, that through the blood, laid Lightfeather. “Help! Redpaw!” She yowled, curling up next to Lightfeather. Her breathing was extremely shallow, eyes shut tight.
Memory of the previous day flooded Larkpaw, Sharpfang’s death, fishing… And the scent. That’s what the scent must have been, whoever did this. “Hold on Lightfeather…” She murmured,”Drizzlepaw needs you.” The apprentice gently licked the wounded warrior, unsure if she’d survive. The attacker had sliced her from her shoulder down to her belly, and did a fair share to mutilate Lightfeather’s face.
“Larkpaw!” Redpaw had run towards her after hearing her yowl, Darkpaw by her side. Both apprentice’s eyes widened at the sight of Lightfeather,”Darkpaw, get Willowcreek and make sure Gorsestar is awake.” The apprentice paused, likely about to say something smart, but turned and darted off out of the tunnel.
She began examining Lightfeahter carefully, “Who, or what, did this?” Redpaw sniffed the shoulder wound,”There was no mercy… Only to kill.”
“Will she live?” Larkpaw whispered, uncertain if she wanted to hear the answer.
Redpaw thought for a moment as she began to lick the wound,”I do not know. After what happened yesterday, she knows Drizzlepaw will need her more than ever. All we can hope is that the wound doesn’t get infected…”
Larkpaw nodded, resting her head on the ground next to Lightfeather. Willowcreek emerged from the camp, mouth crammed with leaves and one paw wrapped in cobwebs. “Larkpaw, you may go.” The medicine cat murmured in her ear,”Talonshadow needs your help.”
The apprentice nodded and quietly got to her paws. She padded towards camp with one last glance over her shoulder, hoping that Lightfeather would be okay. Warriors were rushing to comforte their queens and mates, Larkpaw became aware that something else had happened. She lifted her head, seeing her brother run towards her. Gorsestar was behind him, but dispersed to talk to Talonshadow.
“What happened?” She asked when Darkpaw stopped next to her.
“Some rogues came in and stole Flightsong’s kits.” He meowed somberly,”Lightfeather must have been guarding and whoever wanted them mauled her…”
“This is terrible… Lightfeather didn’t deserve this, whatever fox-hearted coward did this is going to get his eyes scratched out and be left for the crows.” Larkpaw growled, whisking her tail.
“Calm down Larkpaw,” Hawkfire had been conversing with Gorsestar and Talonshadow,”it’ll be me and you searching down river, Darkpaw, you go back to sleep.” Darkpaw opened his mouth to protest, but he decided against it and padded away to the apprentice den.
Hawkfire lead the way out of camp, bounding out of the tunnel quickly. Larkpaw followed, her stomach clenching when they passed by Lightfeather and the medicine cats.
They had carefully tracked the strange scent to Deer River, where it split off into two separate groups,“We mustn't waste time. We will split up, you head towards the Twolegplace, and I’ll check near the FireClan border.”
“Alright.” Larkpaw nodded to her mentor, taking off downstream.
She followed the scent closely, not even taking notice to her surroundings. The apprentice froze when the scent increased, now mingled in with several others. She was still in IceClan territory, but the Twolegplace was in sight. Rarely did a kittypet cross over the border, although loners and rogues weren’t uncommon.
Her hackles rose as she heard murmurs coming from the shadows. “She could be of use…” One of them hissed from above, likely lurking in the tree tops.
“She could… And she will.” Came a harsh whisper from the treetops. Three rogues leaped down from the trees, four more emerged from the shadows. Larkpaw gasped when she saw that two of the cats held two kits, from what she could tell, were Flightsongs’ kits.
“Come with us.” A sandy tom growled, flicking his tail. The group of cats gathered around the IceClan apprentice, their eyes narrowed.
“No.” Larkpaw lifted her head,”I will not.” She crouched, ready to spring at whoever moved. The only cat who moved was the sandy tom, who turned quickly.
“You will learn fast,” Before the apprentice could react, the launched himself at her, clawing her right flank,”To not disobey.”
She stumbled forward, but caught herself. Blood trickled down from the claw marks that stretched from her right shoulder to hind leg. “Now we go.” He growled, pushing himself through the tight circle of cats. The group ushered her forwards towards the Twolegplace.
Larkpaw limped along, confusion and worry weighed her down. After the pecuilar StarClan dream and Flightsong’s kits being taken, she was exhausted. What do they want? Why did they take the kits and me?
“Whisper, make sure she doesn’t fall behind.” The leader growled to the smaller ginger and white tom next to him. He nodded, falling into step with Larkpaw.
“I can’t run away, so why do you have to lurk besides me?” She growled, eyes narrowed as she glanced at her.
“Dusty said to make sure you keep up, so I am.” Whisper kept his amber gaze on the path ahead.
Larkpaw let out a quiet snort, ears flat against her head. She said nothing to him throughout the rest of the walk to what would be a prison, her thoughts only went to one thing, Darkpaw. He’d be alone now, and alone he would struggle greatly to become an accomplished warrior.
They hadn’t been walking too long before they squeezed through a hole in one of the Twoleg fences. Whisper let her go in first, likely to make sure she didn’t turn and run.
Chapter Three
A large, abandoned Twoleg den rested in an overgrown yard. While there was a roof, it was flawed heavily with holes and planks of wood missing. The walls were cracked, the porch roof was in shambles. All the windows were sealed with wood planks and the cats used a rat-chewed hole at the bottom of the door. Whispers echoed throughout the garden, although she saw no cat.
The burly sand-ginger tom raised his tail for the patrol to stop,”Jay, Ember, take the kits to the nursery.” Two cats broke off from the group, taking the mewling kits to a run-down shed.
The tom weaved his way through the undergrowth and slipped into the building. Several moments later, he appeared on a opening high up on the house. “Cats of the Alley! Our time has come! We are to be an official Clan, with our new clanmates. Bring forth all the new members!”
Protesting growls came from the entrance of the Twoleg den as several other cats emerged. One held a young apprentice by the scruff, and two more warriors were shoved next to Larkpaw. “Not a very impressive bunch,” Whisper muttered to himself, although he wasn’t the only cat thinking it. They had kidnapped two scrawny apprentices and a couple of ragtag warriors, none of the cats were impressive, frankly.
Surprise flashed through her as she noticed that the other warriors were Ripplestreak and Breezebeck, but she wasn’t sure who the apprentice was. “Today, I make us a clan! We shall be known as SoulClan, the fearless and stealthy!” He paused for a moment, gazing down at the small band of cats. “We are joined by these four Clan cats, that will teach us their ways. I welcome Breezebeck and Ripplestreak as our first official warriors.” No cat made a congratulatory sound as the leader paused,”I welcome Larkpaw and Eaglepaw as apprentices under the newly formed SoulClan....” Larkpaw begun to drift off as Birchstar rambled on. Exhausted by the all of the drama and rogue attack, her eyelids were heavy and began to drup.
She found herself leaning against a warm mass. The apprentice jerked awake, finding that the sandy tom was still talking. Larkpaw shifted her weight, sitting up again. She felt flush with embarrassment when she had realized that she had been leaning against Whisper.
The two cats met eyes for a brief moment before she forced her gaze away, shifting it to the leader. “-declare myself leader of SoulClan! I will travel to the Crystal Caves to request my nine lives tonight. From now on, I shall be known as Birchstar!” He paused for a moment, gazing down with a strange gleam in his eyes. “Last, but not certainly not least, I name Whisper as my deputy, with the new name of Whisperheart.”
And with that, the cats crowded around Whisperheart as Birchstar leaped down from the roof and disappeared quickly. He took control immediately,"I will learn what I can from our new members, but until then, Jayfoot take Thundersmoke and Flaretail hunting. Keep an eye out for boundaries. The rest of you, gather around. One of these cats will tell us about how Clans work." He flicked his tail and the cats followed his command. Three cats slipped out of the yard, and the rest gathered around the four Clan cats.
"Someone speak." Whisperheart growled, remaining fixated in his position next to Larkpaw. She couldn’t bring herself to move, she felt completely alone and scared, these strange cats terrified her. Larkpaw was uncertain of their intentions with her and the other Clan cats. She remained reserved, trying to become invisible by shrinking back, but was stopped by Whisperheart quietly resting his tail over hers, as if trying to reassure her.
Breezebeck, obviously arrogant and proud to be the elder warrior, began to eagerly describe Clanlife. Larkpaw glanced at Eaglepaw, the terrified apprentice that had crouched next to Ripplestreak. His eyes were wide, it was apparent that he was very scared. Ripplestreak had a calm and collected desposition, with his head held high, his body relaxed. His tail was curled around Eaglepaw perhaps as a sign that the apprentice wasn’t alone and would be protected.
Occasionally, Ripplestreak made a comment on what Breezebeck said, but neither apprentice said anything. It was mainly Whisperheart who questioned the cats, the others listened in silence. The three cats that had gone hunting returned, their jaws stuffed with prey. None of the Clan cats were given any prey, so they watched in annoyance and starvation as all other cats ate.
"It’s getting late." Birchstar growled, leaping down from an overhanging tree. "We will start tomorrow. Tomorrow, I’ll appoint mentors. Cloudwhisker, you’ll take the first shift guarding our new members. Tinyshell, you'll take over at moon-high." Night had approached rather quickly as the self-appointed leader dismissed the cats.
He began to trot away towards the Twoleg nest, but stopped for a moment to meow calmly,"If any of you leave, I will lead an attack on your clans and slaughter every cat. No mercy." Larkpaw glared at him, they eyes meeting for a brief moment. He narrowed his eyes for a heartbeat, his yellow eyes a violent pool, slit by his iris, as he briefly examined her before slipping into the Twoleg den.
"Follow me," Whisperheart meowed as the former rogues followed Birchstar,"You will stay in the nursery until further notice." They pushed through the undergrowth until they got to the small shed where Flightsongs' kits were being held. The new deputy left them at the entrance, disappearing in the direction of the nest.
"In, now." A gray and white tom, whom Larkpaw assumed was Cloudwhisker, hissed. Larkpaw followed Breezebeck in the shed, with Eaglepaw close behind her.
Breezebeck went over to the back right corner of the shed, where some grass had seeped through the floorboard. Ripplestreak shot a sympathetic glance at Larkpaw and Eaglepaw before following his clanmate.
Larkpaw glanced around the shed, catching a glimpse of a tortoiseshell fur in the shadows of a small and strange hole in the wall. It was surrounded by four walls, leaving an entrance. The tortoiseshell lifted her head as the apprentices approached her,”You must be the former clan cats.” She murmured, glancing over the two smaller cats. “One of you must belong to the clan where these two kits came from.”
“I am,” Larkpaw stepped forwards, her ears angled back.
The she-cat nodded,”Ah, I see. I am Leafsky.” She glanced down to the three kits curled up around her belly,”May I ask what their names are?”
“The tom’s name is Foxkit, the she-kit is Snowkit.” The apprentice murmured. Foxkit was much larger than Snowkit, his fur a reddish brown. Snowkit was smaller in size, with a fuzzy white pelt and ginger patches.
“This is Firekit,” She murmured, nosing the other white bundle of fur. His ears and tail tip were a pale orange, as well as his paws. “Birchstar killed his brother because he was born small and sickly. I hadn’t even named him.” Leafsky’s voice was tight with grief.
Larkpaw glanced at the tortoiseshell,”I can see the kits are in good paws. I am Larkpaw, and this is Eaglepaw.” She flicked her tail to the black tabby tom.
“Well, Larkpaw, Eaglepaw, you’re welcome to what’s left in the cabinet. There’s some room and rabbit leftovers if you’d like.” Leafsky offered.
“Thank you,” She took a couple of steps through the entrance, surprised to find that it opened up to a tunnel of sorts. Larkpaw pressed herself against the end of the tunnel so that Eaglepaw could squeeze in next to her.
The smaller apprentice had no struggle in fitting into the cabinet. He curled up close to Larkpaw, eyes shut tight. While her stomach rumbled in hunger, sleep overtook her quickly.
Chapter Four
Redpaws POV
“I name you Darkfrost, IceClan shall honor you for your courage and skill.” Gorsestar
yowled, touching noses with the newly named warrior.
“If only Larkpaw was here for this,” Darkfrost hissed quietly in the leaders ear. Gorsestar visibly flinched as he pulled away, but made no comment. He silently flicked his tail in dismissal, leaping back up into his tree.
Darkfrost leapt down from the chunk of rock,”It’s like she never existed.” He growled, trotting over to Redpaw.
“I know you miss her, but she’s probably alive. I’ve yet to seen her in StarClan,” the medicine cat reminded Darkfrost,“whoever took Flightsongs’ kits, Yellowpaw, and Echostream probably took Larkpaw too.”
Hawkfire had approached the two cats and slid into the conversation,”I know, that’s what every cat says, but it’s likely what happened.”
Darkfrost just growled,”I’m going hunting.” He turned and pushed past the two she-cats, ears flat against his head.
“Go with him…” Hawkfire muttered in Redpaws ear as she gazed after the tom,”He needs a friend.”
The medicine cat apprentice nodded and took off after Darkfrost,”Wait up!” She called, almost running into the tom when he stopped abruptly.
“We both know you’re not going hunting.” Redpaw murmured softly, gently nudging his shoulder,”We can search together.” Several cats had disappeared and some had been stolen in the middle of the night. IceClan had lost two more cats a half moon later after Larkpaw had disappeared and the other Clans had been raided as well. Darkfrost would sneak out of camp and wander around the Twolegplace and the territory outside of Clan territory in search of his sister.
Darkfrost nodded and the two cats began to run in direction of the Twolegplace. The two IceClan cats were still within their borders, but they both skidded to a halt, their eyes wide. A large badger had emerged from the brush, claws extended and jaws snapping viciously.
“Redpaw run!” The dark tabby warrior hissed, puffing out his fur. His claws unsheathed, bunched up his shoulders to prepare to launch himself at the giant creature.
“You can’t take on a badger alone!” She yowled, throwing herself at the badger’s hind legs. Redpaw nipped at it’s legs, speeding away before it could strike.
Darkfrost made no protest, instead leaped onto the badgers back. He dug his claws into its back and bit down on its neck. It roared furiously, shaking off Darkfrost with ease. The warrior was tossed several fox-lengths away, his body landed with a soft thud against the earth. His breathing was shallow for a few moments before he got to his paws, off balance.
“No!” Darkfrost stood, helpless, as the badger now loomed over a hissing Redpaw. There was no where else for her to go, she was cornered in front of a large boulder.
Redpaw met the beast eye to eye, fear keeping her immobile. Everything went silent as her world went black for a brief moment. When her eyes opened, she was much taller. Her body felt weird, clumsy even. She couldn’t speak or control her limbs, but only watched as a paw rose, intent to lash out at what she recognized as her body.
“Get away!” A furious howl erupted out of nowhere. Redpaw’s head turned to see what the commotion was, and surprise filled her heavy limbs as she realized that a large white and brown tabby was charging towards the badger.
The cat barreled into the predator’s flank, snapping Redpaw out of her trance. Her eyes jerked opened, revealing the tom fighting the badger mercilessly. She watched him fight breathlessly is he pushed his hind legs off the ground, hard, sinking his teeth in the badgers throat. It let out a strangled growl as it sank to the forest floor.
“Thank you!” She meowed to the tom, but he was already running off into the Twolegplace. Redpaw shook herself, limbs sore. Her gaze fell upon a dark tabby mass lying at the base of a tree, ”Darkfrost! No!” The medicine cat limped over to the warrior. His flanks lifted rhythmically, showing that he was okay, at least as far as Redpaw could tell.
The apprentice glanced around helplessly, she couldn’t leave Darkfrost, but he had to get help. “I can’t leave you.” She murmured to herself as she examined the clearing for anything she could use to help.
The sun had gone down by the time Darkfrost awoke. Redpaw was curled up next to him,
head tilted to the dusk sky, eyes distant in thought. She had repaired him the best she could, with cobwebs and several other herbs she had been able to find.
“I can make it back to camp.” Darkfrost declared, cautiously getting to his paws.
“Careful, you bruised some ribs.” Redpaw meowed, shaking her head. Whatever happened with the badger, it wasn’t the first time, or likely the last.
Darkfrost shrugged and limped back to camp, the medicine cat apprentice close by his weaker side in case he stumbled.
As the two cats padded silently back to camp, Redpaw’s mind was racing. I don’t know what’s wrong with me… But… I won’t be alone. She glanced at Darkfrost for a heartbeat, before shifting her gaze back to her paws.
Chapter Five
Larkfeather’s POV
“Today is a tremendous day!” Birchstar yowled from the top of the Twoleg nest,”Today is the day when I welcome several new warriors!” He gazed around the group of cats, which had doubled in size over the past few moons.
Larkpaw gazed up at the leader, heavy resentment resting in her heart. Eaglepaw stood next to her, now past her shoulders in height. Ripplestreak was licking mysterious wounds behind her, Breezebeck lying next to him. “First, I must accept Breezebeck and Ripplestreak as full warriors of SoulClan.” Birchstar paused for a moment as some cats cheered,”But we are all gathered for the making of two fantastic warriors. Eaglepaw, do you promise to uphold the warrior code and protect your clan at all costs?”
“I do.” He meowed, lifting his head proudly.
“I name you Eaglethorn, we honor your courage and smarts.” The Clan cheered for the new warrior, but Birchstar calmed them down with a flick of his tail.
“Last but not least, is our most unexpected warrior. Larkpaw has surprised us all by her skill and speed, as well as her loyalty. Whisperheart did a fantastic job training you.” There was something in Birchstar’s voice that sounded like a threat,”Do you promise to uphold the warrior code and protect your clan at all costs?”
“I do.” She meowed, hoping that she sounded enthusiastic.
He nodded approvingly,”I name you Larkfeather. SoulClan honors your speed and loyalty.” The clan chanted their names again, but Birchstar quieted them down again,”With these two new warriors, SoulClan grows stronger. I must also name three new apprentices!”
“Firekit, Foxkit, Snowkit,” He called the three young kits. They weren’t yet 6 moons old, but that didn’t matter for Birchstar.
“Do you all promise to uphold the warrior code and promise to train your hardest?” The sandy tom meowed.
“I do,” They all replied at once, eyes shining brightly.
Birchstar replied with,”SoulClan welcomes you all. Ripplestreak will mentor Firepaw. Teach him your restraint and tactics.”
Larkfeather glanced at Leafsky, who seemed satisfied with the choice. “Larkfeather, while you may be a fresh warrior, has proven herself enough to train Snowpaw. I hope you pass on your hunting skills and loyalty.” It was obvious that she was surprised by already getting an apprentice so soon, as her eyes were wide with shock.
“Lastly, I name Whisperheart as Foxpaw’s mentor. I trust you will pass on your strength and stealth.” The three mentors got to their paws and padded over to their apprentices, touching noses with them. It didn’t surprise anyone, Whisperheart is Birchstars’ only kin in the clan, being his only surviving son.
Chapter Six
Within the couple of moons Larkfeather had received her first apprentice, Snowpaw had proven to be a successful hunter. More often than not, she would train her with Firepaw. The two apprentices got along fairly well, the competition encourages them to work harder. It certainly didn’t hurt that she was spending much of her time with Whisperheart.
Birchstar often watched her from afar through narrowed eyes, distrust flickered behind his eyes. The raid on IceClan was in a couple of days, her only chance to show the leader that she was loyal to SoulClan, to him. The Clan was growing, rising in members quickly. How Birchstar led the “Clan”, ignoring the warrior code completely, attracted rogues. Even some of the stolen warriors even preferred SoulClan then their own.
Her dreams were frequently haunted by two eerily familiar cats whom names she couldn’t quiet place. They seemed so happy, so innocent, but something that she just couldn’t place was off. She’d just awoken from a horrid nightmare, where the white tabby she-cat was slaughtered by Birchstar as she attempted to protect her newborn kits. Ripplestreak was standing over her as Larkfeather, about to waken the exhausted warrior. Concern pooled in his eyes, but he just flicked his tail to the entrance wordlessly. She slipped out of the warriors den, easily locating Whisperheart. Ripplestreak had disappeared, likely off to find Riverstripe.
“My warriors, my cats, gather beneath me, for I have news to share!” Birchstar called from his wooden overhang.
Within several moments, the Clan had gathered beneath him. Leafsky sat at the entrance of the nursery, Eagletalon sitting next to her. Ripplestreak and Riverstripe laid close together, with Larkfeather and Whisperheart sat near the warriors den. The apprentices had been tussling by their den paused, attention turning to Birchstar.
“In four days we will launch a raid on IceClan. The following will remain in camp, Leafsky, Pebblefern, Brindlestep, Orchidwhisker,” All of the named cats nodded, with Leafsky looking more relieved than the others,”Everyone else will fight. No holding back, go for the kill.” His gaze rested on Larkfeather. She met his gaze, eyes bright and head lifted. Birchstar, with his eyes still on the white tabby, continued,”We aim to recruit two new members, what they rank does not matter. Recruiters will be rewarded,” he paused for a moment, lifting his gaze from Larkfeather as he proudly looked over his clan,”We are growing. We are strong. We will, when this raid is successful, announce ourselves as a Clan at the next Gathering.” The cats of SoulClan cheered, but Birchstar quieted them with a flick of his tail,”Pebblefern and Jayfoot have had three kits, Cinderkit, Willowkit, and Stonekit. With these additions, full of life and Clanblood, we are truly a Clan!”
Birchstar dismissed the clan with a flick of his tail, disappearing into the nest. As Whisperheart began to sort out patrols, the warriors and apprentices excitedly discussed the upcoming raid. “I’m going to show Foxpaw the desired IceClan and FireClan boundaries, want to join me?” Whisperheart meowed to Ripplestreak and Larkfeather.
“No.” Ripplestreak replied flatly, padding out of camp. Firepaw trotted next to him, full of energy.
Whisperheart let out a thin sigh,”There’s no hope with that one.” The two toms never had gotten along, getting into arguments more often than not.
“Come on then, it’ll be me and you,” Larkfeather nudged him gently. He’s probably missing his Clan, she thought, but held her tongue knowing talk of their old lives was forbidden.
The only response he gave was an ear flick before exiting camp, Foxpaw following closely. Larkfeather shook her head at the stubborn tom but followed him anyways. “Keep your eyes and ears open for anything suspicious.” She meowed to her apprentice.
Snowpaw nodded, sticking close to Larkfeather. The young cat was always careful and alert, complete opposite of her reckless brother. The two she-cats caught up to Whisperheart, Larkfeather walking close to him.
“Is there something wrong?” She murmured quietly. It wasn’t like him to be so quiet, there had to be something troubling him.
Whisperheart hesitated for a moment before replying with a brisk,”No.”
Larkfeather narrowed her eyes,”I know when you’re lying.” Her voice was quiet, so that the conversing apprentices couldn’t hear.
He let out a thin sigh,”He told me to choose.” Whisperheart lifted his head, keeping his eyes ahead of him.
“Choose between what?” She asked gently, knowing that something relatively big was troubling him.
“He doesn’t believe you are truly loyal to SoulClan,” The ginger tom murmured,”If I want to stay deputy, then I have to push you away."
Larkfeather’s heart skipped a beat,”There has to be a way to prove him wrong…” She didn’t want to end her friendship with Whisperheart, there had to be some way for her to prove she was loyal to SoulClan.
“In the upcoming raid maybe…” He trailed off into thought. Whisperheart paused for a moment, “Maybe if you kill someone worthy of attention, someone of title.”
Panic overran Larkfeather, killing wasn’t something she intended to do in any raids… But if it was to protect her and cover up any thoughts of disloyalty, she had to. “I’m in. Let me lead a group, and I’ll kill the deputy.”
Whisperheart glanced at her, obviously surprised that she was so willing to kill to protect their relationship,”I will speak with him, but I must warn you, with IceClan being our target, he’ll be keeping a close eye on you. With Birchstar’s intention to announce us as the fourth Clan, and he intends to send a strong message.”
“Fine.” Fear gripped her stomach, obviously not wanting to kill any of her former clanmates, but she had no choice.
The rest of the patrol passed relatively quickly. They showed Foxpaw and Snowpaw where FireClan and IceClan’s borders were. They had almost ran into an IceClan border patrol when Foxpaw had gotten a little too excited and chased a vole across the border.
When the four cats got back to camp, the prey pile was freshly stocked. Just as Larkfeather dismissed Snowpaw, Ripplestreak called her over. The ginger and gray warrior trotted over, happy to find that there was half a rabbit left over for her. “How was your first day as a mentor?” She asked him before she started devouring the rabbit.
Ripplestreak shrugged,”It was okay, Firepaw is rather calm and collected, for one his age especially. What about yours?”
Larkfeather swallowed the food before replying,”I learned something,” Her voice lowered to a whisper,”Birchstar doesn’t trust me, so Whisperheart suggested killing someone with important.”
Ripplestreak didn’t speak for a few minutes, eyes clouded with thought. He waited until Larkfeather had finished the rest of the rabbit before replying,”We need to keep the revolution quiet, and we need you to stay on Birchstar’s good side.” He paused, shaking his head. “Although your… fondness of Whisperheart is concerning.”
The ginger and gray she-cat flinched, looking away from Ripplestreak,”Just like your fondness of Riverstripe?” Larkfeather growled, eyes narrowed.
“She may be of EarthClan, but she’s a part of the rebellion.” The large tabby tom retorted,”Besides, she’s not the daughter of a psychopath.”
She let out a heavy sigh,”Just because Birchstar is Whisperheart’s father doesn’t mean anything.”
“What do you think is going to happen when we lead our attack and destroy SoulClan? Whisperheart isn’t going to appreciate his mate being the leader of the cats destroying his clan.” Ripplestreak pointed out gently,”I’m trying to protect you from him and Birchstar.”
Confusion and pain coursed through Larkfeather. She got to her paws, knowing that he was right. It was her and Ripplestreak that had decided to gain allegiance with stray cats and those within SoulClan to supply aid when they attack. It was no secret, her fondness for Whisperheart, she had grown… attached when trying to gain information. “I need to go think,” she murmured to Ripplestreak.
Larkfeather bounded out of camp, aware of Birchstars’ accusing glare. She knew that he’d send someone after her in suspicion that she was leaving the clan permanently. Her paws barely skimmed the surface of the forest floor as she sped away, heading towards the Twolegplace. Few SoulClan cats dared to enter the Twolegplace alone during the day.
She slowed, knowing that it wouldn’t be smart to run headfirst in a Twoleg packed area. Her sides heaved, exhaustion tugged at her paws. Panic flashed through her as she looked around, confused by her surroundings. Tall, stone and wood buildings were everywhere. Strange scents, strange and unfamiliar, whirled around her.
